HPCM installation and evaluation

The best way to learn about the capabilities of HPCM is to install it and use it. HP recommends that you do this first in a simple workgroup environment consisting of one Microsoft Windows server and just one client computer. This will simplify the installation process and enable you to focus on learning the capabilities of HPCM. Once you’re comfortable with the installation and use of HPCM in this environment, you can roll it out into your production environment.

HPCM is available for HP client computers as a free download from the Altiris Web site. Installing HPCM is described in detail in the HP Client Manager 6.1 Product Guide, which can be downloaded

from the Altiris Web site at www.altiris.com/support/documentation.

From the URL above, scroll down to HP Client Manager Software and then click Product Guide to open or save this document. The Product Guide will walk you through the HPCM installation process. As part of the installation process, you’ll download a helper program which will identify any additional software that you need on your Microsoft Windows 2000/2003 server and guide you through its installation.

When you’re ready to install HPCM, begin at www.altiris.com/eval. Under Free Software, select HP Client Manager Software 6.1 and follow the instructions from the Web site and the Product Guide. After the installation and during the setup process, the HP Client Manager Software Quick Start page will provide quick links to the most commonly-used tasks, as shown in Figure 10.

Figure 10. HP Client Manager Software Quick Start page

13